Have you ever wondered where some of the names of the NFL teams came from? In an article published online by Scott Allen "What's in a Nickname? The Origins of All 32 NFL Team Names" dated September 1, 2010, Scott tells some of the stories behind the nicknames of the NFL's current teams. For instance, the Arizona Cardinals (originally the Chicago Cardinals) got their name because the owner of the team purchased some used jerseys in 1901 from the University of Chicago. They were a faded maroon color, which looked "cardinal red." Thus, the team took the name for the Cardinal bird.
The Miami Dolphins had a name-the-team contest. The winner was picked not only because the owner liked her suggestion of the Dolphin, but because she was the only one to accurately predict the result of the Miami and Notre Dame game. She had used her Magic 8-ball toy to do so!
Finally, a distant relative of mine, named Julia Elliott picked the nickname "Falcons" for the Atlanta franchise. Her suggestion was selected by the team owner after reading her depiction of a falcon. She won four season tickets for three years and a football autographed by the entire 1966 inaugural team. I wonder how much that football is worth today! I wish I could say I inherited it, but I wasn't so (lucky) blessed.
When it came time for Bronwyn to give birth to each of our four boys, we were completely in the dark as far as what to name our boys---except for their middle names. Their middle names are Biblical heroes---men that I hope my sons grow up to be like. I want them to associate themselves with these awesome men so they might be inspired to live up to their name.
In thinking about names, I was wondering what names God uses in reference to you and me? What is our identity in His eyes? They aren't personal pronouns, but they make up our identity in His eyes! Here are just a few:
He calls you His beloved. (1 John 3:3)
He calls you His child. (John 1:12)
He calls you His masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)
He calls you His friend. (John 15:14)
He calls you His heir. (Romans 8:17)
He calls you a saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
He calls you His co-worker. (2 Corinthians 6:1)
He calls you His. (Colossians 3:12)
You mean more to Him than you can ever fathom (Psalms 139), and nothing can ever take away His love for you (Romans 8).
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things (Romans 8:32)?
Soak this in for awhile.
As you are taking flight this semester, enjoy the companionship of the Almighty who goes with you!
We sure love and appreciate you, and hope you are flying high on the wings of the Lord. I know God is going to use you to continue to make impacts for eternity in the lives of those around you. Thanks for being such a superstar.
To God be the glory forever,
Todd
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